Wildlife on a Rocky Mountaineer Adventure

Bighorn Sheep, Photo: dbarronoss on Flickr

British Columbia is completely immersed in natural beauty, including a stunning variety of wildlife. Offering encircling panoramic windows, the Rocky Mountaineer provides awe-inspiring views of the surrounding wilderness. On a Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey you will explore the protected areas of Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park, Yoho National Park, and the famed Banff and Jasper. Many large mammals and birds flourish in these regions. Wildlife to look for include black and grizzly bears, elk, moose, caribou, big horn sheep, cougars, wolves, and lynx.

The chance to draw in all that the rare, rugged Canadian Rockies have to offer is amazing. Yet one must keep in mind that wildlife is wild, so keeping your distance is a must. Animals rely on their natural habitat to survive; therefore, travelers must also be responsible when they are visiting these habitats. Overall, witnessing wildlife on the in their natural setting is tremendously moving when taking the Rocky Mountaineer.

Where to encounter penguins

Penguins are some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. They are graceful and elegant, yet seemingly awkward as they waddle along on land. The flightless birds spend more than half of their lives in the water and are only ever airborne when they leap onto land. Having no natural fear of humans, these curious birds sometimes come quite close to their observers. For this reason, many animal-lovers travel far and wide to have an experience with their favourite birds.

Emperor Penguins, Photo: Martha de Jong-Lantink on Flickr

If you want to encounter penguins on your next adventure, there are several places you can find them. Most penguin species reside in the Antarctic and temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere. Different species of penguin thrive in different climates. The tropical Galapagos Islands are home to the world’s smallest penguin: the Galapagos Penguin. Emperor penguins live in the vast, icy wilderness of Antarctica. The Galapagos and Antarctica are typically the most popular destinations to view penguins, however, they can also be found in South Africa, New Zealand and various regions in the south of South America.

"Stage Struck" in London

"Stage Struck", the annual London Theatre Tour, is truly an unforgettable experience. The tour welcomes both seasoned theatre-goers and those wanting to dip their toes into the world of dramatic arts. This year's tour starts on November 24th and goes to December 4th, 2011. Not only will you experience the finest theatre in the world, but the streets of London will be completely decked out in holiday décor. Performances will be a combination of British musicals and plays in both tragedies and comedies.

The tour's long-time escort, John Parker, has retired and handed the reins over to another theatre enthusiast, Paul Arcand. A former drama and English instructor, Paul’s major passion is theatre and he regularly attends productions in Vancouver. Paul went on multiple theatre tours with John Parker and is delighted to have the opportunity to lead his own group of theatre lovers.

At $2475 CAD/person for double occupancy or $2975 CAD/person for single occupancy, this tour includes return transfers from the airport to the hotel (if one is flying in/out of London Heathrow), nine nights at the President Hotel with private facilities and breakfast, taxes, seven theatre tickets for the best available seats, and four pre-tour seminars with Paul (dates to be decided), this tour is a steal!

For anyone wishing to discover the fascinating city of London and immerse themselves in the world of British theatre, the Lloyd's Theatre Tour is an absolute must.

Antarctica: Land of Ice and Snow

Earth's southernmost continent, Antarctica, is a truly unique destination. The continent is almost completely covered in ice that is, on average, at least 1.6 kilometers thick. Antarctica is also home to the largest ice shelves in the world, including the Ross Ice Shelf which is around the size of France and the Ronne-Filchner Ice Shelf which is about the size of Spain.

Antarctica: Castle Rock & Mt. Erebus, Photo: elisfanclub on Flickr

Antarctica is the only continent that has never been home to an indigenous human population. Although it is 58 times the size of the UK, and 1.4 times the size of the US, it still only has a population of 1,000 in the winter. The population reaches a staggering 30,000 in the summer due to floods of tourists and Antarctica’s 4,000 scientific bases. Many travelers take the journey to Antarctica to discover its vast wilderness and experience the thrill of visiting a place unlike any other. Some travelers compare the trip to Antarctica to visiting the moon.

When traveling to Antarctica, the most popular tourist area is Anver Island Bay. This bay is home to the only two cruise ship stops on the continent: the US Palmer Station, and a museum at Port Lockroy. Another favourite for tourists is Cuverville Island. From rugged glaciers to endless deserts to enormous mountain ranges, Antarctica offers spectacular scenery. Antarctica is also home to a wide spectrum of wildlife including penguins, seals, whales, krill, and several kinds of birds. Some animals have adapted in such a way that they are able to create their own anti-freeze.

There is really no place on earth like Antarctica. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure travel enthusiast, this majestic destination should be on your bucket list!

The Rocky Mountaineer Experience

Once summer arrives, the Rocky Mountaineer experience, although already unique in itself, exposes even more of the hidden treasures embedded in British Columbia's natural soul. With the same attentive personal service, the routine "ALL ABOARD!" salute, and all of the signature Rocky Mountaineer charisma--the summer season just makes way for even more brilliance. Several packages are available for the summer season; making every dollar worth even more. This vacationing season unveils the turquoise hues of the glacially fed Lake Peyto, boasts the emergence of the wildlife-awakening from their winter slumber, and ultimately, exudes the most breathless scenery.

The Gold Leaf Service features full-length dome windows for panoramic sites that, although viewable in the winter, are eloquently enhanced in the summer. Such sites include the notable exposure of the deep scars of the mountains-re-telling the stories of avalanches from thousands of years ago and the jaw- dropping revelation of a distinctive contrast in the green, lush valleys next to the overpowering mountains topped with crystal glacial ice.

Also, this award-winning adventure has just announced their new Silver Leaf Service as another unique way to experience Western Canada. This recently released service offers a middle-man option with the same in-seat hot meals and panoramic views as the Gold Leaf Service and a price comparable to that of the Bronze Leaf Service for such perks.

Whether you decide on the short and sweet Whistler sea to Sky Climb or the historically packed Journey to the West, any train journey creates an ambience for quality time that is difficult to cultivate in our fast-paced society. In the 2009 summer season, Alison Mcgill, Editor-in-Chief of Weddingbells Magazine, explains that, "There was no time for the iPhone, magazines, or books-the landscape and the gentle rhythm of the train had [her] completely rapt. It was a journey that quickly vaulted itself into [her] travel annals as one of the best and most unique vacations [she's] ever experienced."

Alaska's Breathtaking Nature

The incredible vastness of Alaska with its seemingly endless mountain ranges is nothing short of breathtaking. The well organized park system across the state protects this spectacular wilderness with state and national parks, preserves and trails where visitors can enjoy the outdoors and watch for animals and sea life. The most famous park is Denali.
Denali National Park and Preserve is the largest protected ecosystem in the world, covering nearly 2.5 million hectares. Around 400,000 people visit the park each year. Take a bicycle tour, a park bus or guided walk. Popular summer activities are hiking, camping, rafting, backcountry travel, fishing, wildlife viewing and flightseeing.

The abundant wildlife includes grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep and moose. Mt. McKinley, or Denali, North America's highest peak at 6.194 meters is situated within the park. A spectacular sight on clear days it can be seen as far as 113 km away. Most pre/post cruise tours feature Denali with overnight stays at wilderness lodges. Denali is accessible between Anchorage and Fairbanks via Alaska rail or by car from the George Parks Highway.

The ice age is still active in Alaska. There are an estimated 100,000 glaciers in the state and observing them is certainly a highlight of any visit. From the deck of a cruise ship, watch and listen as tide water glaciers creak and calve with huge chunks crashing into the sea. Look for Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord on your cruise itinerary for a glacier experience.

These rivers of ice which flow from ice packs high in the mountains are magnificent when viewed closely from a helicopter. Some flightseeing tours land on the ice so you can hike or ride a dog sled. Mendenhall Glacier at Juneau is big, beautiful and one of the most accessible glaciers. Take a shuttle bus from the pier to stop by the visitors centre and enjoy the many hiking trails.

Must See and Do in Portugal

>St. George's Castle, Lisbon, is an imposing citadel captured from the Moors in 114. From the defensive walls visitors have a magnificent view of the city and the Tagus River flowing to the Atlantic Ocean. Not to be missed!

>Sintra is about a one-hour drive from Lisbon. (Train service is available from downtown Lisbon.) This historic city with its luxurious, green mountain is the former residence of kings and nobility. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is a must see for its palaces and historical residences, especially the Palace of Pena.

>Évora is the finest example of a city of the golden age of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About a two and a half hour drive south of Lisbon, here you'll find The City Museum, The Temple of Diana (built by the Romans), The Capela dos Ossos (Bones Chapel) and the Cathedral. Sit outside in one of the many cafés at the Geraldo Square, sipping a glass of the local wine while watching the city go by.

>Óbidos which can be traced to 308 BC by the Celtics, is today a well preserved walled town with small houses painted in immaculate white, blue lapis and gold, the royal colors of the past. The local Pousada (historical inn) is an excellent choice for a delightful meal.

>Serra do Gerês in Northern Portugal is one of the best preserved mountains of Europe with spectacular scenery, fresh pure air, streams of pure water, and rare flora amongst the rich greenery.